Scaled quail, also commonly called blue quail or cotton tops, are a species of the New World quail family. They are bluish-gray birds found in the arid regions of the Southwestern United States to Central Mexico. These birds are named for the scaly appearance of their breasts and back feathers. Along with their scaly markings, the birds are easily identified by their white crests that resembles tufts of cotton. Adults are pale brownish with elegant dark scaling on the underparts. Their heads are plain brown with white accents on the crest. Their backs are bluish gray and their wings are brown stippled with buff white stripes. Juveniles are similar but have shorter crests, and the upper wing has a more ornate pattern.
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